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1764 Old Chattanooga Pike SW Cleveland, TN 37311

info@lifebridgesonline.com

+1 (423) 472 5268

Author: Karen Kelley
Home Articles Posted by Karen Kelley
NEWS
May 31, 2023

May 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges is proud to announce the purchase of a new home which will be shared by three people in Supportive Living. Every department has provided expertise to bring about a well decorated and comfortable home for the men to enjoy. The new space is being modified to meet the special needs of each person.

Special Olympics was enjoyed by many and the weather was perfect. Many parents and family members attended which was very helpful in keeping everyone hydrated and present for their events. Many are looking forward to the 2023 First Baptist Camp experience in August. Let us know if you would like to be a part of this “hot”event!

Also, the Taziki’s Fundraiser is on May 25th from 4:00-8:00PM. Enjoy a great meal with a portion of each purchase being donated to Life Bridges.

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year!

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!

Come out to support
Life Bridges!

When: Thursday, May 25, 2023
Where: 440 Frontage Rd NW (Target Center)
Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE LIFE BRIDGES Benevolence Fund.
Use this promo code online or at checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.
Featuring: The Appalachian String Band from 5-8PM and
Cleveland Disc Golf setup outside for all to try!
Jimmy's Journal

Special Olympics - 2023

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

“Let me win, but if I do not win, let me be brave in the attempt.” . . . Mary Kennedy Shriver

April 22, 2023, this reporter got third place in the standing long jump and first place in the fifty meter dash. I am very proud of the Civitan club, volunteers and Cleveland Fire Department for helping to make the Summer Olympics fun! First came the softball throw, standing long jump and finally the runners.
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
April 22, 2023

April 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Thank you to everyone who is making our 50th year our BEST year! The Spring Fling Annual Fundraiser was a success in every way. Many thanks to all who contributed!

The people of Life Bridges are practicing for Special Olympics. It is such an exciting time as we look forward to the softball throw, running events, standing long jump, food and being with all of our friends. We are also busy with the Miracle League softball program and many are thinking of CAMP!

Also, the Salsarita’s Fundraiser is all day on April 25th. Enjoy a great meal with a portion of each purchase being donated to Life Bridges.

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Bridging the gap!
Jimmy's Journal

Life Bridges celebrates fifty years of service to Cleveland

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

I am very proud of every employee of Life Bridges. Diana Jackson celebrates her thirty-fifth year. Juanita Breedlove celebrates her tenth year as staff. Everybody was so excited and cheering for our loving staff and the community.

I would like to thank all of the staff including Diana Jackson herself!

HIRING NOW

LIFE BRIDGES IS HIRING!
We have Nursing and Direct Support Professional positions open.
1ST, 2ND and 3RD SHIFTS AVAILABLE
CALL HUMAN RESOURCES AT: 423-303-1873 OR APPLY ONLINE.
Employment

Save the Date:

Salsarita Fundraiser

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
All Day

A portion of sales will be donated to Life Bridges

694 Paul Huff Parkway

Special Olympics

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Parade Line-up 10:30AM
Games Begin – 11:00AM

Cleveland Middle School
Track & Field

Quarterly Staff Meeting

Tuesday, April 25, 2023
1:30PM

Life Bridges
Hunt Center

 

Come out to support
Life Bridges!
ALL DAY!

When: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Where: 694 Paul Huff Parkway
Online Promo Code: FUNDRAISER

A PORTION OF SALES WILL BE DONATED TO LIFE BRIDGES
Use this promo code online or in the Salsarita’s app at your checkout for your purchase to be counted towards the fundraiser.
www.salsaritas.com
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
February 19, 2023

February 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges celebrated staff members who had milestone anniversaries as employees with the agency. Longest serving employee, Cheri Williamson, was honored for her 40 years of continuous service to the agency. Employees celebrating milestone anniversaries included 54 employees representing 575 years of service to Life Bridges. The enthusiasm was great and laughter, tears, and confetti all had their place. The employees receiving awards had tenure from 5 years to 40 years of service (in 5–year increments).

At the meeting we also kicked off our yearlong celebration which will include a looking back over the last 50 years of the people and families we have supported and the staff who have worked at the agency. Notably, Eddie Elrod, has been supported by the agency since 1974 – yes 49 years! Joann Knoxville is the oldest recipient of services at age 93, and Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure, 40 years, and she is still working!!

Staff, we will offer fun & exciting opportunities all through the year to you in celebration of our 50 years. Remember to practice for February 20th Cornhole Tournament and good luck!

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
ALL STAFF. . .
Get a hole in one, GET A DAY OFF WITH PAY (8 HOURS)
LIFE BRIDGES MAIN BUILDING, MONDAY FEB. 20, 7AM-5PM
Check your email for details.
2022

Employee Recognition

Spirit of Life Bridges is Roni Rawls Pictured L to R: Dr.Brown(Board Pres.) Roni Rawls, Diana Jackson,CEO
Employee of the Year goes to John Blackburn: L to R: Dr. Brown, John Blackburn, Diana Jackson, CEO
Life Saver Award: l-r: Dr. Brown, Shelby Stoddard, DelindaConner, Ana Terrero, Diana Jackson Not pictured: Ecco Ford, Morgan Yarber
Directors Choice : L to R: Dr. Brown with Kalie Shields, Diana Jackson Not pictured: Christine Campbell, Heaven Fields, Darlene Henderson, Cristi Waters
30, 35, 40 Years of Service: l-r: Dr. Brown, Cheri Williamson 40 years, David Schoate 30 years, Diana Jackson 35 years
20 Years of Service: Dr. Brown, Aurelia Kanarski, Diana Jackson Not pictured: Cynthia Barber, Jini Wilson
15 Years of Service: l-r Dr. Brown, Zuleika Rosa, Christine Hamby, Diana Jackson not pictured: Brenda Ackey, Donna Williams, Gina Dodd, Rebecca Kennedy
Volunteers of the Year: Barbara Goins and Sandy Sodemann Pictured l-r: Barbara Goins, Dr. Brown, Sandy Sodemann
10 Years of Service: seated l-r Dawn Long, Denise Hope, Juanita Breedlove, William Beavers Standing: Dr. Brown, Douglas Oxley, Dusty Zembree, Doug Ledford, Keisha Hardin, Meta Hansen, Brandy milligan, Ashley Striker, Tna Richardson, Delinda Conner, Frankie Wakefield, Brittany Trentham, Diana Jackson Not pictured: Kaycee Smith, Dalton Cash, Brittany Cox Rebecca Muncy, Erin Rogers
5 Years of Service: seated l-r: Susan Phillips, Melissa Hamilton, Matthew Hamby, Karen Kelley standing l-r: Dr. Brown, Danielle Bentley, Stacie Goode, Chelsea Dunn, Bessie Croan, Debra Daniels, Melissa Cate, Meghan Baliles, Lisa Copeland, Diana Jackson Not pictured: Helean Arp, Alissa Bishop, Eddy Dyer, Susan Nemeth, Gwendolyn Slaughter, Ruth Stokes, Christie Chatfield, Stephanie Sexton, Sumer Taylor
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
January 29, 2023

January 2023 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

The Life Bridges Team is off to a busy 2023, as we make plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Our year-long celebration will include a looking back over the last 50 years of the people and families we have supported and the staff who have worked at the agency. In a 50-year history there have been ups and downs –and we have learned from them all! Many of you have been with us through decades of providing services and we appreciate you very much.

Notably, Eddie Elrod, has been supported by the agency since 1974. Yes, 49 years! Joann Knoxville is the oldest recipient of services at age 93. And, Cheri Williamson is the staff member with the most tenure, 40 years, and she is still working!

Life Bridges Partners-Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Bridging the gap. . .

Save the Dates. . .

Tuesday, January 31 – Employee Recognition – 1:30pm – Hunt Center

Friday, February 10– Night to Shine Prom – 5:30pm – Broad Street Methodist

50th Anniversary

Throwback

  • Richard M. Nixon was President
  • New car cost: $3,200
  • One gallon of gas cost: 40 cents
  • “Far out” was slang for “cool”
  • “Boogie” was slang for “dance”
  • Bradley Adult Activity Center (later known as Life Bridges) was established

2022 - Year in Review
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
December 22, 2022

December 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has enjoyed many celebrations and parties during Christmas season. We were fortunate to have the Oak Grove Elementary School Choir join us and lift our spirits with their songs of good cheer! Also, the Christmas Drive-Thru at the agency was a grand event enjoyed by hundreds of people in our community (a few pictures below). The staff at the homes are wrapping presents, finalizing the menus, and making the final grocery lists. It will be a time of joy, rest, family, and good cheer!

To you and yours we say, “MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Rotary Christmas Gifts

Warm Gloves

The Rotary Club of Cleveland stopped by Life Bridges with presents. Everyone was so excited to receive warm gloves for the colder weather! Thank you to Peggy Pesterfield and Cleveland Rotary president, Bethany McCoy, for visiting with us and delivering the gifts! Thank you Rotary Club of Cleveland!

Whoville Drive-Thru 2022

Jimmy's Journal

It is all about giving.

Christmas is just around the corner
Thanksgiving has come and gone
We are so lucky for the things that we do have and to be able to celebrate the holidays
Schools closing for Christmas Break
We give each other presents on Christmas Day
But that is not what Christmas is really about
We just like to say It’s all about giving & not receiving
But most of all it is all about the birth of our Lord & Savior. . .
Jesus Christ of Nazareth
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
November 19, 2022

November 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has enjoyed our partnership with the Miracle League of Cleveland during the past several months. The fun began with baseball and has continued into several weeks of bowling. The smiles and thrills of bowling were very much evident this past week! Carolyn Kimsey and her husband are the local organizers through the Miracle League. Many thanks to them for seeing a need and filling it to bring recreation, enjoyment, and community support to people in our community with intellectual disabilities.

One person really can make a difference. I see the difference my co–workers make every day. One person can inspire, challenge, and motivate others. One person can often meet the need of one other person. One person can be the connection that leads to many answers. My hope is to be that person every day and that you also – will be that ONE person.

Hoping to see you on Monday, November 21st at Cleveland High School Cafeteria for our Annual Holiday Dinner. The Life Bridges choir will sing and the food will be wonderful.

Life Bridges Partners-Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the Dates. . .

Monday, November 21–Life Bridges Holiday Lunch 11am Cleveland High School Cafeteria

Saturday, December 10– Elk’s Christmas Party at Elk’s Lodge (time to be determined)

Saturday, December 17–Life Bridges Christmas Drive–thru 6pm at Life Bridges Cam- pus/764 Old Chattanooga Pike

Support us with:

When shopping. . .

A website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to Life Bridges.

Sign up now!

Click HERE to go directly to the Life Bridges / AmazonSmile page.

OR

Using your: Computer/iPad/Mobile Device
Go to: smile.amazon.com

  • enter your email address or phone form mobile accounts and a password. If you don’t have an Amazon account, you can create one.
  • you will be asked to select a charity.
  • select Life Bridges Inc (scroll down to confirm Cleveland TN and select) please note that
    Life Bridges Inc has no punctuation marks
  • confirm that you must always start at smile.amazon.com to support Life Bridges
  • install amazon assistant to ensure your purchases will support life Bridges. Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. Products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on product detail pages.

Harley Buchtel, DSP, receives a perfect score of 100 after taking his medication recertification exam!

Harely created his own practice box with a practice tool to assist with his studies for a perfect score.

Congratulations, Harley!

Jimmy Kilgore, attended a Civitan meeting with CEO, Diana Jackson, and was very excited to meet the President, Dr. Ty Stone, of Cleveland State Community College.

Jimmy, is now a reporter for the Life Bridges Newsletter and writes of his meeting with Dr. Stone. . .

“It was a nice meeting. This reporter has met a new President of Cleveland Sate Community College Dr. Stone. I asked a very good question.”

Jimmy's Journal

Volunteers End Bama's 14-Year Winning Streak in Knoxville

By: James L. Kilgore, Life Bridges Reporter

Sixth–ranked Tennessee snaps Alabama’s 14 year winning streak at Rocky Top to end the curse. In the first half, vols lead twenty–eight to twenty but in the second half at the last second game–winning forty yard FG attempt in the fourth quarter where the score was tied forty–nine a piece Chase McGrath of Tennessee and the kick was good to end the game. Final Score #3 Alabama 49 #6 Tennessee *52. Everyone came to the field for a celebration that no team has gone for tearing down the goalpost and taking it straight to the river they go. Next game will be Georgia (arch–rival) at Neyland State on CBS. Coach Heupel was pleased after the victory goes rocky–top profession.

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
October 26, 2022

October 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

What comes to your mind when you think of Life Bridges? At this time of year, I think of all the celebrations and parties that are being enjoyed at the agency as we celebrate BIG…whether it is fall, Thanksgiving, or all that leads up to CHRISTMAS!!! People supported by the agency are dressing up as various characters, enjoying candy and treats, busy making their Christmas gift lists, planning their menus, and planning time with their friends and families over the next few months.

Many have donated to Life Bridges during this season. We are appreciative of the MARS candy donation, Knights of Columbus financial gift, and to all of those who have made donations of various types to fulfill the needs of those supported. Please keep the agency in mind as you give your end of the year contributions. Thank you for thinking of us!

Wishing you a happy and blessed fall season!

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the date. . .

  • Life Bridges Holiday Dinner /Monday–November 21 /11am/Cleveland High School Cafeteria

  • Christmas with the Elks /Saturday–December 10/TBD/Cleveland Elks Lodge

  • Life Bridges Christmas Drive Thru  /Saturday–December 17/6pm/Life Bridges

James L. Kilgore

Miracle League of Bradley County

Reported by: James L. Kilgore

September 17, 2022 – Miracle League celebrates its first season at Blue Springs Park in Field C. It was a great season, there were six teams: A’s, Dodgers, Braves, Reds, Giants & Pirates. This reporter has been a pitcher for the Pirates. Opening day was a very good one, especially when everybody wins there are no fouls, strikes or outs recorded. I learned that baseball was 100% life all the time. Concluding the last game was Saturday, October 22 at 10am.

Our Team and Friends

Halloween Drive-Thru
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
September 24, 2022

September 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Life Bridges has celebrated DSP’s (Direct Support Professionals) this past week! DSP’s support people every day in community activities, employment, and learning to be more independent. They never give up on assisting people to work on their goals and helping people reach their dreams.

They help people live with greater meaning and fulfillment. We acknowledge their hard work and dedication in helping others live their best life!


We couldn’t do it without you!!!

Vickie Batzka, Clifton Weaver’s sister, asked me to CHALLENGE those who love the agency to give a monthly gift through a bank draft. She is the only person who currently does this and she says her gift is small, but to me by giving every month she is able to give more than many could give at one time. So, if you accept the challenge – let me know…

djackson@lifebridgesonline.com.

Wishing you a happy and blessed fall season!

 

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Miracle League Fall Schedule

Blue Springs Ball Field C

Saturday, Sept. 24

10am Pirates vs. Reds

11:15am Dodgers vs. Braves

12:30pm A’s vs. Giants

Saturday, Oct.1

10am Reds vs. A’s

11:15am Giants vs. Braves

12:30pm Pirates vs. Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 8

10am Giants vs. Pirates

11:15am A’s vs. Braves

12:30pm Reds vs Dodgers

Saturday, Oct. 15

10am Dodgers vs. A’s

11:15am Braves vs. Pirates

12:30pm Reds vs. Giants

DSP Spotlight

Not Pictured: Yesia Pitner (Day Services)

By Karen Kelley
NEWS
August 19, 2022

August 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

We send a huge thank you to David and Kim Luzader, First Baptist Church, VEC Customers Share and the Life Bridges team for making Camp Cherokee happen this year. It was AMAZING!

Employment is an important part of the lives of the people supported by Life Bridges. The money earned brings increased buying power that includes trips, eating out, and community activities. Working in the community brings increased self–confidence, the opportunity to learn new things, and new friendships. Currently, we support people who work at the following places:

  • Blythe Bower School
  • Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe
  • Hampton Inn
  • Lowe’s
  • YMCA
  • Tennessee Department of Transportation
  • Bojangles
  • McDonalds
  • Lubing Systems
  • Burger King – APD 40
  • Lee University
  • Sodexo
  • Aalberts Surface Technologies
  • Home Depot

I encourage you to frequent these businesses and let them know you support the hiring of people with disabilities.

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!
Volunteer Energy Cooperative

Life Bridges Receives Grant

Life Bridges was awarded a grant from the VEC Customers Share Foundation to help with funding for Individuals Supported to attend Camp Cherokee 2022. Receiving the grant is Diana Jackson (L) from VEC Board Member.

Life Bridges Supportive Employment Team

Featured in TN DIDD Newsletter

Pictured L to R: Jeff Harden, Bill Reynolds, JoAnn Mintz and Tim Purifory. Not pictured: Chloe Tatum

The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities highlighted Life Bridges’ Supportive Employment Team in their August Employment Innovation Newsletter. The team’s focus each day is to connect with employers willing to train and coach individuals that desire employment and are able to work and be paid a competitive wage while offering opportunities for growth.

Camp Cherokee 2022

Thank you to our amazing team for making Camp Cherokee 2022 fun and memorable!
By Karen Kelley
NEWS
July 13, 2022

July 2022 Newsletter

A Note from Diana Jackson, CEO

Yes, it is that time again – First Baptist Church Camp at Parksville Lake led by David Luzader! So many of the people we support are excited about their vacation at this special camping event designed just for them. Life Bridges partners with First Baptist Church to provide several days of fun, music, boating, tubing, swimming, fishing, and FOOD!!! Camp dates this year are August 2–4.

Life Bridges is proud to have over 400 employees who work hard and give of themselves at a high level due to staffing shortages. The dedication of many staff is shown when they work to fill openings when they need to rest. It is amazing how many people go the extra mile regularly and may be overlooked because they do not complain. I encourage everyone to thank a Direct Support Professional and let them know how much you appreciate them. If you know someone who would be a good addition to our amazing team, please refer them. Applications are available at www.lifebridgesonline.com or call 423–303–1899.

SPRING FLING UPDATE: Tables are being sold for the Spring Fling/March 2023 event. Table costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. Please call Karen Kelley if you would like to discuss opportunities. (423) 421–4129 or email to: kkelley@lifebridgesonline.com

2023 will be the agency’s 50th year of providing services. More to come on this – but we will plan to celebrate all year long!

Life Bridges Partners – Thank you for believing in and partnering with us!

Save the Date:

Miracle Baseball League

Sign up for fall play in August and September

Saturday mornings

For information call:
Carolyn Kimsey
(423) 650-2218

Staff Meeting

Tuesday, July 19, 2022
 1:30PM – 2:30PM

HOC

Camp Cherokee 2022

August 2 – 4

Independence Day - 2022
By Karen Kelley